Sure! Here’s the translation:
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In the heart of the devastated Gaza Strip, UN staff continue their tireless humanitarian work, facing a grim reality marked by destruction and extreme suffering. Sonia Silva, head of the UNICEF Office in the territory, has been working in the region since November 2023, shortly after the outbreak of a conflict that erupted following an attack by Hamas and other armed groups in southern Israel.
The situation in Gaza, according to Silva, has reached unprecedented levels of misery. “In my year and eight months in Gaza, last week was, without a doubt, the worst,” she stated. Her experience is comparable to the Rafah incursion in May 2024, although the recent week has been significantly more intense. Silva, who resides in accommodation provided by UNICEF in Deir Al-Balah, describes a desolate landscape: collapsed buildings, families living in destroyed homes or tents, and a palpable sense of fear and hopelessness.
The offensive that began last Sunday has further transformed the situation in Deir Al-Balah, an area that was considered relatively safe until then. Nearby bombardments destroyed a building just 100 meters from her accommodation, leaving Sonia and her colleagues in a constant state of alert.
Despite the personal risks, Silva expressed deep concern for her Palestinian team, who, unlike her, do not have the option to disconnect from the conflict. “My colleagues have lived through this for over 21 months, have lost loved ones, and do not have a break,” she emphasized. The severe shortage of food and resources further exacerbates the crisis, jeopardizing the entire population, including those on the front lines of aid.
Nevertheless, the spirit of solidarity and resilience persists among humanitarian workers. Despite the adversities, they continue to provide essential services and show generosity amid the chaos. Sonia Silva concluded with a heartfelt tribute to those, in the midst of devastation, who strive to keep alive the hope for a better future in a region that seems to have been forgotten by the world.
via: MiMub in Spanish
